The Mall Group Welcomes IMF–World Bank Group Annual Meetings 2026 Delegates, Positioning Retail as a Destination for Global Visitors
EM DISTRICT connects shopping, dining, wellness and Thai cultural experiences, as foreign visitor spending across The Mall Group’s retail business continues to grow
BANGKOK, 9 October 2026 — As Thailand prepares to host the 2026 Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank Group from 12–18 October at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center (QSNCC), The Mall Group is contributing to the country’s welcome programme by connecting international delegates and their spouses with Bangkok’s contemporary retail, lifestyle and cultural experiences.
Through EM DISTRICT, comprising Emporium, EmQuartier and Emsphere, The Mall Group is bringing together shopping, dining, wellness and Thai cultural experiences to offer international visitors a broader perspective of Bangkok beyond the meeting venue.
The initiative reflects the growing role of retail destinations in the visitor economy, where the value of tourism extends beyond visitor arrivals to include spending, experiences and engagement with local businesses and culture.
Connecting Global Visitors with Bangkok Experiences
As Thailand places greater emphasis on value-driven tourism, retail destinations are increasingly positioned to play a role throughout the visitor journey. Beyond shopping, they offer opportunities to explore food, fashion, wellness, cultural heritage and contemporary Thai lifestyle within an integrated destination.
Located in central Bangkok, EM DISTRICT offers international visitors access to a range of retail and lifestyle experiences, providing another touchpoint through which they can discover the city during their stay.
For the IMF–World Bank Group Annual Meetings, The Mall Group has prepared 15,000 welcome packages for delegates and eligible participants staying at designated official hotels, including special packages for high-ranking spouses. The packages feature a Platinum Tourist Card, offering discounts of up to 10%, alongside privileges from leading brands across The Mall Group’s retail network.
To facilitate access, the Group will also provide shuttle services between QSNCC and EM DISTRICT, operating seven rounds per day.
A dedicated Spouse Programme on 12 and 14 October will offer curated afternoon experiences combining beauty and wellness, dining, Thai crafts and lifestyle activities. These include aromatic massage, facial treatments, hair and scalp treatments, hair styling and scalp care, alongside hands-on activities such as making khao taen (Thai crispy rice snacks), traditional Thai desserts and bungarampa scented sachets.
Experience Thailand Beyond Shopping
In collaboration with Jim Thompson, the programme will introduce participants to Thailand’s cultural heritage and craftsmanship through experiences connecting heritage, textiles, food and contemporary lifestyle.
At Jim Thompson House Museum, visitors can explore traditional Thai architecture, Asian art and the heritage of Thai silk. The programme also extends to Emsphere, where participants can experience Thai cuisine through the You Hunt, We Cook concept, offering a hands-on culinary experience.
Within EM DISTRICT, additional activities featuring Thai crafts, traditional snacks, wellness and beauty treatments provide opportunities for visitors to engage with Thai culture through direct participation.
Together, these experiences aim to present Thailand not only as a destination for international business gatherings, but also as a place to discover distinctive cultural heritage and contemporary urban lifestyles.
Foreign Visitor Growth Signals Retail Opportunity
The initiative comes amid positive momentum in international customer activity across The Mall Group’s retail business.
From the second to the third quarter of 2026, the Group recorded 14% growth in foreign customer numbers and a 15% increase in foreign visitor spending, with an average transaction value of THB 9,500 per bill.
Key international customer markets include China, the Middle East, Myanmar, India, Singapore, Malaysia and Taiwan. Their spending spans fashion, beauty, dining, gourmet food, wellness and Thai lifestyle products, reflecting the breadth of experiences available within the Group’s retail destinations.
These figures highlight the commercial opportunity to serve international visitors through a more integrated retail experience—one that combines shopping with dining, leisure, personal care and cultural discovery. By bringing these elements together, retail destinations can contribute to visitor spending while creating additional opportunities for businesses across the tourism ecosystem.
Retail as a Destination
For The Mall Group, participating in the 2026 IMF–World Bank Group Annual Meetings represents more than providing welcome packages and visitor privileges. It is an opportunity to support Thailand’s international welcome through experiences that connect global visitors with the country’s culture, cuisine, craftsmanship and contemporary lifestyle.
The Group continues to develop its role as a retail destination connecting global visitors with Thai experiences, local identity and the wider business ecosystem—contributing to a more memorable visitor journey and supporting the long-term value of Thailand’s tourism economy.
Welcome to Bangkok. Welcome to Thailand.
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